Sadjo, Dalyop win 2023 Warri Effurun Peace Marathon

Warri Effurun Peace Marathon

Cross River State’s Ishmael Sadjo and Patience Dalyop of Plateau, at the weekend, beat the field to win the men and women’s titles respectively at the 2023 Warri Effurun Peace Marathon. Their victories earned them the N1m top prize each.

The 10km race, which also featured schools in the Warri environs for the first time, was flagged off by Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, a former Nigerian Minister of Police Affairs.

Sadjo, who had come to Warri with aim of redeeming himself from his shock loss last year, quickly dominated proceedings, coupled with the absence of his main rival, Emmanuel Gyan, who was forced out by injury.

Sadjo maintained his course to finish at 30.12 seconds, Francis James was second with 30.41 seconds, while Stephen Joshua Daylop was third with 30.42 seconds.

“I was really prepared for the race and I enjoyed dominating it and watching the other guys struggling to catch up.

“It was a good outing for everyone and hopefully we’ll be back here next year,” said Sadjo. Daylop, making her debut in the race, was also yards ahead of the women. She clocked 35.05 seconds, beating favourate Joy Abiye David, who came second with 35.47 seconds and Deborah Pam, who finished third clocking 36.19 seconds.

“I’m not surprised Patience won the race because she is a young athlete coming up and she has speed… we have seen what she does in training and it was good for her,” said Pam.

On her part Abiye, who admitted that she was outpaced, blamed fatigue for her low performance. In the schools five-kilometre boys’ category, Moses Gift with 17.44.04 clinched the top spot, Obakanuhre Oghenefega was second with 18.19.28 seconds, with Taofeek Jubril placing third with 18.59.37.

In the girls’ race, Dimah Anointed